Fryingpan
River flow stabilizes

June 19, 2015 - As of Friday morning the Fryingpan River stabilized around 750 cfs (USGS gage #09080400). In addition, the average runoff flow into Ruedi Reservoir (Colorado Basin River Forecast Center RURC2) has been on the decline. This rate is also forecast to decrease in the coming days, assuming there are no major precipitation events.

“Based on current water inflow and outflow rates, it would take at least eight days for Ruedi Reservoir to fill,” said James VanShaar, acting Resources Chief for the Eastern Colorado Area Office, Bureau of Reclamation. "We will also continue diverting water from above Ruedi to the Front Range, reducing how much water Ruedi and the Fryingpan are having to handle," said VanShaar.

“This is great news,” said Basalt Police Chief Greg Knott. “With both the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork rivers stabilizing we are able to focus our attention on continued public outreach and river monitoring.”

The Pitkin County Incident Management Team (PCIMT) and Eagle County Sheriff’s Office had not recorded any life safety or property damage reports as of 3 p.m. on Friday. “We observed minor water flow in the Roaring Fork Mobile Home Park, but no structures were threatened,” said Operations Section Chief Jake Spaulding.

“Although the immediate danger seems to have passed, we are still at a heightened state of awareness,” said Knott. Dangerous water conditions still exist due to increased water flow levels. Also, it is critical that residents are prepared for changing river conditions and the potential flooding. The areas of greatest concern continue to be homes along River Cove, Swinging Bridge Lane, River Oaks Lane, and homes in the Roaring Fork Mobile Home Park.

There are three important steps residents can take to be prepared for a flooding emergency. First, create a go-kit that includes essentials to take with you in the event you need to evacuate your home. Learn what should be in your go-kit at http://goo.gl/1xnWAU. Second, monitor the areas in and around your property for changing water conditions. Lastly, be prepared to self-evacuate if you believe you are in danger. Do not wait for an evacuation notice from a public safety entity.

Heading into the weekend, the Pitkin County Incident Management Team will transition command back to local public safety agencies. Trigger points have been identified that would reactivate the PCIMT if the situation escalates. Local public safety will also continue to monitor critical points in town and along the rivers.

Stay tuned to developments by listening to NOAA weather radio, your local radio stations and by visiting www.pitkinemergency.org. Emergency alerts will be sent to the public via Pitkin Alert. Citizens who have not already signed up for this free service are encouraged to do so at www.pitkinalert.org. Please direct all media questions to Blair Weyer, Public Information Officer, at 970-315-2478.